BALDWIN PARK-The Rojano family of Glendora have made education a family affair.

Husband and wife, Erika and Alex Jr., along with son Giovanni, attended and graduated together from the Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education (BPACE) recently.

“We know how important an education is for everything,” said Erika, 40.

Alex and Giovanni graduated from the electrician program and Erika from the cosmetology program.

“One of my uncles had graduated from there a few years back and spoke very highly of it,” said Alex, 40.

The location and affordability of the programs were another main reason the family chose BPACE, said Alex.

Erika, who was a stay-at-home mom for many years, was looking to get back into the workforce again but couldn’t find anything with her international business degree from Mexico so she looked about going in another direction.

“I thought I would just take a few classes, do some services (for friends and family) and earn some money,” she said.

A manicurist license alone was expensive and, with no financial assistance available, Erika decided on getting her license through the cosmetology program at BPACE.

“(BPACE) helped me out with financial aid,” she said. “It was a coincidence that (all three of us) graduated in the same ceremony.”

Erika completed her hours in the program in November, received her license in December and was able to find a good job by January. She had to wait to participate in a graduation ceremony until May.

“I love my new job,” she said. “I am with people who are teaching me new skills. I’m still learning a lot. We never stop learning.”

Alex Sr. and Jr. co-own an electrician company, AR Electric, and Alex Jr. said he wanted to go back to school to brush up on his skills, learn some new things and get certified, which he hadn’t done before. After his son Giovanni had trouble getting classes at Citrus Community College, Alex thought he needed a push in the right direction.

“We brought him into the company and told him the company would pay for his schooling if he went,” said Alex. “I also thought we could do it together and support each other. It was really great. I got to see him apply his newly acquired skills and become more reliant out in the field. I knew he was going to be more of an asset to the company.”

There’s no pressure, however Alex says, of Giovanni continuing with the family company. He would just be happy to see his son succeed in any company he decides to work for and he knows he has the skills necessary for that.

“If someone is going to school to try the industry, they’re serious,” said Alex. “Whether they stay with us or not.”

Alex said he also hired a fellow student he met at the school who graduated with honors and is open to doing more recruiting in the future from the school. Alex Sr. is also on the advisory committee for the electrical program at BPACE.

“(The company) just incorporated recently and we’re working on getting more stable accounts,” he said. “Times are tough but we have employees that we have to help. We’re always knocking on doors and looking for opportunities.”

Having mom and dad working and going to school at the same time, with two younger sons at home, was tough but the Rojanos admit it was worth it.

“It was kind of difficult. We had to coordinate times and duties,” Erika said.

“Everyone sacrificed a little but it was nice (to graduate together),” added Alex.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.

If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com.